To provide a back gage mechanism capable of aligning a workpiece without repeatedly adjusting the position of the workpiece as it is being loaded into a die space of a bending apparatus.

A backgaging mechanism is provided with finger gaging mechanisms having force sensors for sensing forces in directions perpendicular to and parallel to a die. In addition, a robot gripper sensor is provided for sensing either or both of shear forces and normal forces created by movement of a workpiece being held by the gripper.